<p>As the <a href="../solar-decathlon" target="_blank">Solar Decathlon</a> competition comes to a head in Madrid, the leaders of the pack have emerged! The amazing Armadillo Box by the French team from <a href="http://www.grenoble.archi.fr/" target="_blank">École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Grenoble</a> has been holding steady as a top competitor for the entire week. Right now the adorably-named Armadillo Box is in third place behind the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/21/germany-unveils-super-efficient-ikaros-solar-decathlon-house/" target="_blank">University of Rosenheim IKAROS House</a> and the leader from the US - <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/23/sun-powered-lumenhaus-has-a-shifting-solar-facade/" target="_blank">Virginia Polytechnic's Lumenhaus</a>. The competition is heating up -- will the Armadillo Box's energy-efficient exterior and cool interior put a damper on the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/23/sun-powered-lumenhaus-has-a-shifting-solar-facade/">Lumenhaus' high-tech shifting facade</a>? Only this weekend will tell!

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Armadillo House at the Solar Decathlon Madrid

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Inhabitat)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Inhabitat)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Inhabitat)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Inhabitat)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

15

Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

16

Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

17

Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

18

Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Team Armadillo)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Armadillo Box (photo credit: Inhabitat)

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/07/the-armadillo-box-for-europes-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Armadillo Box</a> was inspired by its namesake, a sturdy desert creature whose unique outer shell and slow metabolism helps it keep cool in the desert heat. The team from France utilized the same concept to minimize energy use and excess heat by locating their core energy systems inside the house. Prefabricated modules utilizing common and inexpensive materials form the main structure, while an exterior shell covers the whole house, providing shade and generating power with a large <a href="../solar-power" target="_blank">photovoltaic system</a>....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-armadillo-box-closes-in-on-solar-decathlon-finals/'>READ ARTICLE</a>